Pullman Square

Pullman Square is a lifestyle center in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, United States between 8th and 10th Street and 3rd Avenue and Veteran's Memorial Boulevard.

[2] In 1970,[3] a four-block 9-acre (36,000 m2) vacant site was created for the next "large development"; however, problems besieged the area for decades.

Another instance included an outlet mall proposal that was announced on May 6, 1987; however, two months later, the Herald-Dispatch reported that the project was "dead" and that the "13-year history of failure haunts (the) Superblock.

Yet another study suggested that retail, entertainment, dining, housing, cultural, and educational aspects be included in the project.

retail and entertainment complex between 10th streets and 3rd Avenue and Veterans Memorial Boulevard that would resemble an "old-time small town" and would fit within the "historic context of the existing downtown.

[13] Broken down, the project plan included,[14] The plan included narrowing 3rd Avenue from four-lanes westbound towards the Robert C. Byrd Bridge to one lane in each direction with angled parking; however, this was later revised to one-lane in each direction with parallel parking and a center variable lane.

In January 2002, the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority began eminent domain proceedings against Chi-Chi's.

[20] A lawsuit was later filed by the Jackson County, West Virginia lawyer Larry Harless, questioning the legality of the committee and its work.

In July 2003, the West Virginia Legislature passed legislation that withstood the Court of Appeals; however, the Pullman Square project had to be re-approved by the reconstituted grant committee.

[22] The grant money was once again awarded in August;[20] however, two citizens' lawsuits by Larry Harless once again disputed the process.

[25] In June 2005, the Funny Bone Comedy Club opened, followed by Cold Stone Creamery in July and pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill and Max & Erma's in August.

On March 17 Runway Couture opened next to Inspired, featuring west coast-inspired fashions; both are owned by Deneene Chafin.

[30] In June, it was announced that Uno Chicago Grill would reopen under the franchise of Rick Rose, who owns some Bennigan's restaurants in Ohio, and under Mike Bartrum, a retired NFL player.

[26] Benny's Cheesesteaks opened on June 19,[31] the second location for the Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant that sells Philadelphia-style hoagies, wings, wraps, and beer.

Heels, a high-end shoe store owned by the owner of Inspired and Runway Couture made its debut in July.

[32] A few months later in March 2019, Quicksilver Arcade and Bar announced that they will open in the former Max and Erma’s space.

This first event, founded by John Mandt Jr., owner of Stewart's Original Hot Dogs, brought in $8,000 for the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital.

Skyway view of Pullman Square in 2024.
Pullman Square in 2014
Pullman Square is home to the annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival .
Tom Kenny at performing at Pullman Square in the Huntington Comicon
Marshall University pep rally at Pullman Square in 2016.